Mission Statement

The Animal Health Branch is California’s organized, professional veterinary medical unit that protects livestock populations, consumers, and the State’s economy from catastrophic animal diseases and other health or agricultural problems.

Volume 37 October 2017Inside this issue:

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 1

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Foreign Animal Disease InvestigationsJuly 1 - September 30, 2017By Alireza Javidmehr, DVM, MPVM, PhD

Animal Health BranchNewsletter

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California Experienced a Senecavirus A (SVA) Outbreak During Summer 2017

From July 1 to September 30, 2017, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Veterinary Services (VS) personnel have conducted one hundred ninety-eight (198) foreign animal disease (FAD) investigations, more than ten (10) times the number of FAD investigations over the same time period in 2016 (fifteen [15] investigations) (Table 1). Investigations in the swine population were predominant during the past three (3) months, indicating an outbreak of a vesicular disease among swine that were shipped to slaughter establishments in California, mostly from Midwest states (Figure 1). Any swine with vesicular lesions must be treated as a suspected foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) case until it can be ruled out. Since July 1, 2017, regulatory veterinarians and technicians have conducted one hundred eighty-seven (187) FAD investigations in slaughter swine exhibiting signs of vesicular disease. All sampled animals were tested for Senecavirus A (SVA) and FMD. All of the samples tested were positive for SVA and negative for FMD. Although SVA is an endemic disease in the U.S. and is not an FAD, it is included in the California “List of Reportable Conditions for Animals and Animal Products” because the virus causes similar lesions to FMD. All vesicular cases must be reported within twenty-four (24) hours to state or federal animal health officials.

Any FAD outbreak in the U.S. can have a devastating effect on the nation’s animal health, trade and public health. Therefore, any animal diseases presenting similar signs to FADs must be treated as such until FADs can be ruled out. CDFA AHB’s mission is to maximize preparedness amongst the branch employees to respond effectively to any potential FAD incidents in California. AHB personnel enhance their professional skills with continued preparedness/response trainings and exercises. Six (6) veterinarians across California attended foreign animal disease diagnostician (FADD) training recently and were trained with latest techniques and diagnostics to protect California livestock against any potential FAD outbreak. Private practitioners, diagnostic laboratories, animal hospitals and producers should report signs of illness or mortality within twenty-four (24) hours by calling the CDFA AHB/USDA VS District Office in their area.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 2

Foreign Animal Disease InvestigationsJuly 1 - September 30, 2017

(continued)

Table 1. FAD investigations during July 1 to September 30, 2017 by CDFA AHB District.

*NVSL: National Veterinary Services Laboratory CAHFS: California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory D: Davis T: Tulare

Figure 1. FAD investigations by species (percentage).

AHB Districts Disease Species Sample

TypeNumber of

Investigations Destination Lab NVSL Result

Ontario Myxomatosis Rabbit Tissue 1 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) Equine Swab, Blood 1 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

New World Screwworm Feline Maggot/Larvae 1 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

Modesto Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Senecavirus A (SVA), Swine Vesicular

Disease (SVD)Porcine Swab 166 NVSL, CAHFS-D All positive for SVA

FMD, VSV Bovine Blood 2 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

Redding Influenza A Virus, Exotic Newcastle Disease, Avian Paramyxovirus

Serotype-1Avian Swab 2 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

FMD, SVA, SVD Porcine Swab 1 NVSL, CAHFS-D Positive for SVA

Tulare FMD, SVA, SVD Porcine Swab 20 NVSL, CAHFS-D All positive for SVA

Schmallenberg Virus Bovine Serum 1 NVSL, CAHFS-T Negative

FMD Ovine Tissue 1 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

VSV Equine Swab, Blood 2 NVSL, CAHFS-D Negative

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 3

Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostician (FADD) TrainingBy Alyssa Louie, DVM, MPVM

One of the primary missions of California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) personnel is to investigate, control and eliminate incursions or outbreaks of emerging and foreign diseases affecting animal agriculture. Investigations of potential foreign animal disease (FAD) cases are performed by regulatory state and federal veterinarians trained as foreign animal disease diagnosticians (FADDs).

Training takes place at the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa, or on Plum Island, New York. Participants learn about FAD agents while practicing animal handling, sampling and necropsy. They work through the steps of an investigation, including communicating with the private practitioner, producer, state and federal animal health officials; planning for a site visit without potentially spreading disease; examining the premises and animals; and collecting and packaging samples properly for shipment.

As of this year, fifteen (15) of the twenty-six (26) AHB veterinarians are trained as FADDs. Currently, FAD investigations are dominated by cases of Senecavirus A in pigs, which causes vesicular lesions and is a foot-and-mouth disease rule out.

Private practitioners, producers and laboratory personnel are the eyes and ears for reporting unusual conditions in livestock, poultry and even companion animals to state or federal animal health officials, and play a critical role in the early detection of an FAD and protecting U.S. animal health and agriculture.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 4

Secure Food Supply (SFS) UpdateBy Mandy Arens, DVM, MPVM, PhD

California is continuing with the implementation of the Secure Food Supply (SFS) initiative. The SFS initiative is a national (United States Department of Food and Agriculture) and state (California Department of Food and Agriculture - CDFA) effort to create SFS plans that are designed to provide guidance to producers and animal health responders for maintaining continuity of business while, most importantly, effectively controlling and eradicating disease during a foreign animal disease outbreak. CDFA has developed an on-farm guidance document, “California Secure Food Supply: Industry Standards for Pre-Certification and Permitting in the Event of a Notifiable Animal Disease – Farm Premises” (April, 2017). The guidance document is designed to provide the required standards that must be met in the face of a state quarantine to issue movement permits for animals and animal products. CDFA’s goal is to have farm premises become pre-certified such that each premises will have a CDFA-approved SFS Biosecurity Plan prior to an outbreak. CDFA is working closely with producers throughout the state this fall to beta-test the farm guidance document and pre-certification process.

For more information on SFS efforts, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/SecureFoodSupply.html or contact your local Animal Health Branch District Office to see how you can get involved.

After a Texas woman contracted brucellosis from drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk from a Texas dairy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health alert and is investigating potential illnesses in at least seven (7) states. Brucella RB51 was found in raw milk from the Texas dairy, and the strain matches that isolated from the infected woman. The CDC advises that people who consumed raw milk or milk products (cream, cheese, yogurt) from the K-Bar Dairy in Texas between June 1 and August 7, 2017 should get a 21-day regimen of antibiotic treatment to avoid the risk of lifelong, chronic brucellosis infection. Pasteurized milk and dairy products are safe to consume.

The CDC received reports about people who consumed raw milk from the Texas dairy or have symptoms consistent with brucellosis in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Ohio, North Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. Brucellosis symptoms can develop as quickly as five (5) days after exposure, but can also take up to six (6) months to develop. People with brucellosis may experience fever, sweats, muscle pain, lasting fatigue, arthritis, depression and swelling of the testicles. If not treated, infection can result in long-term complications. RB51 can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems and miscarriages in pregnant women.

RB51 is a strain of Brucella used to vaccinate young female cattle against infection from more serious field strains of Brucella. Vaccinating cows with the RB51 vaccine helps prevent abortions in cows and reduces the risk of people coming into contact with cows infected with the more severe strains. In rare cases, vaccinated cows can shed RB51 in their milk. Serology tests do not detect RB51 because this vaccine strain was developed to prevent interference with blood tests used to detect field strain infections. Blood cultures can be used to confirm infections, but special precautions must be taken to protect laboratory workers from infection.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/brucellosis/clinicians/rb51-raw-milk.html.

Texas Raw Milk Contaminated with Brucella RB51(Vaccine Strain) Affects Seven (7) States

By Anita Edmondson, BVM&S, MPVM, MRCVS

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 5

Very Virulent Infectious Bursal Disease (vvIBD) Detected in Two (2) Southern California Backyard Flocks

By Alisha Olmstead, DVM

A statewide working group of researchers and educators is being assembled to determine the prevalence of the reassortant very virulent form of infectious bursal disease (vvIBD). This form of the disease is considered exotic, whereas infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease) is considered endemic. The last case of vvIBD diagnosed in Southern California was in 2013 and in Northern California in 2016.

Reassortant vvIBD was diagnosed in two (2) separate backyard chicken submissions in Southern California; the flocks were located twenty (20) miles apart. One case was a 7-week-old chick, from a flock of sixty (60), that had ruffled feathers and labored breathing before it was euthanized. The second submission consisted of three (3) 8-week-old chicks; two (2) of them died spontaneously and the third was euthanized. The presence of stray game fowl was a common epidemiological link in both flocks.

The chicks were submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety laboratory due to high morbidity and mortality. On gross examination, all four (4) birds had enlargement of the bursa of Fabricius, pallor of the lungs and liver and marbling of the spleen. Microscopically, there was severe lymphoid necrosis and depletion in the bursa, spleen and mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue as well as heterophilic bursitis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing identified a genetic reassortant IBD virus with vvIBDV segment A and a serotype 2 segment B. Serotype 2 IBDV strains are usually found in turkeys. IBD is a highly contagious viral infection of chickens due to infection with IBD virus. Infection can result in high mortality or prolonged immunosuppression.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is proposing to amend the existing informal hearing regulations under 3 CCR § 1310–1310.3. The amendments will add and reorganize the statutes that may use the informal hearing process when a person violates those statutes (and any regulations implementing those statutes), following an investigation and review of the evidence. Additionally, the required time frames would change for: a person to request an informal hearing (twenty [20] days); the CDFA to schedule the hearing (45 days); and the CDFA to issue a decision after the hearing (thirty [30] days, with some exceptions). A new section (3 CCR § 1310.4) will be added to address time constraints for appeals that involve holding animals or animal products. This proposal also includes technical changes for consistency and clarity.

Statements or arguments may be presented in writing on the proposal between September 22, 2017 and November 6, 2017. This proposal is available at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/regulations.html.

Action to Amend Informal Hearing RegulationsBy Anita Edmondson, BVM&S, MPVM, MRCVS

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 6

Equine Health Program UpdatesBy Katie Flynn, BVMS, MRCVS

Equine West Nile Virus Cases in CaliforniaFor 2017, a total of fourteen (14) horses have been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The positive horses were located in Glenn, Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern (2), Riverside (4), Plumas, Lassen, Tehama and San Joaquin (2) counties. Eleven (11) horses were unvaccinated and three (3) horses had unknown vaccination status. Seven (7) horses died or were euthanized and seven (7) horses are recovering.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) continually monitors and investigates equine neurologic cases for the presence of WNV in California. CDFA urges horse owners to consult their veterinarian concerning a WNV vaccination program to ensure maximum protection of their horses.

For more information visit:https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/WNV_Info.html.

Equines Entering California through Border StationsBorder station personnel are required to document all horses crossing into California. This includes California horses returning to California. Thus, all horse trailers are required to stop at the border station crossings to provide destination information and required entry documentation. To facilitate prompt, efficient transition through the station, an Equine Only – California Entry Document has been developed. This document can be completed in advance and provided to the border personnel for verification.

Equine owners and transporters are encouraged to download and complete the document for presentation to station personnel. To download the document, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/pdfs/Equine-CA-Entry.pdf.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 7

Name Form Number Time CCR CodeBrucellosis Live Animal Testing - Positive Result VS 4-33 24 hours from result § 752.3(d)

Brucellosis Live Animal Testing - Negative Result VS 4-33 5 business days from result § 752.3(d)

Brucellosis Vaccination Form (Pinks) AHB 76-026 14 calendar days § 752(c)

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) AHB 77-010 7 calendar days from issue § 830.3(h)

Report of Application & Distribution ofSilver Brite Tags

AHB 76-210 Quarterly § 831.2(f)

Trichomonosis Test Report - Positive Result AHB 76-199 48 hours from result § 820.6

Trichomonosis Test Report - Negative Result AHB 76-199 Within 30 days from result § 820.6

Tuberculosis Test Charts VS 6-22 48 hours from completed test § 9972 (FAC)

Designated Time Frames for Submitting Animal Health Forms

Accredited veterinarians are critical for protecting California’s livestock industries. In addition to the responsibility of reporting emergency conditions within twenty-four (24) hours and regulatory conditions within forty-eight (48) hours, timely submission of official forms within designated time frames is necessary for disease surveillance, animal disease traceability and monitoring animals moving interstate. Table 2 summarizes the reporting time frames for these official animal health forms.

The 121st annual meeting of the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), the nation’s animal health forum for over a century, is meeting October 12-18, 2017, in San Diego. Given the close working partnership, this meeting is being held in conjunction with the 60th annual meeting of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians.

The USAHA is a science-based, non-profit, voluntary organization that works with state and federal governments, universities, veterinarians, livestock producers, national livestock and poultry organizations, diagnostic laboratories, research scientists, the extension service and several foreign countries to prevent, control and eradicate livestock diseases in the U.S. There are over one thousand (1,000) members, including representatives from all fifty (50) states, four (4) foreign countries and thirty-four (34) allied groups serving health, technical and consumer markets. These members participate in multiple science-based committees that adopt resolutions and recommendations aimed at improving animal health and management, traceability, welfare, disease control and preparedness.

The USAHA protects animal and public health by serving as a national forum for communication and coordination, as a clearinghouse for new information and methods for developing policies and programs, and acts to develop solutions for animal health issues. The USAHA has met annually since its founding and produces a published proceedings of each meeting. The proceedings represent the most complete history of the nation’s animal health endeavors over the past century. For more information, visit http://www.usaha.org/2017-annual-meeting.

USAHA: The Nation’s Animal Health Forum Since 1897 Meets October 12-18, 2017 in San Diego

By Anita Edmondson, BVM&S, MPVM, MRCVS

Table 2. Time Frames for Submission of Animal Health Forms.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 8

Testing for Trichomonosis - Making Sure It’s OfficialBy Alyssa Louie, DVM, MPVM

The time and money spent collecting and submitting a bovine trichomonosis sample can go to waste without preparation, having the correct supplies and taking certain precautions. Here are some reminders for what is required by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch (AHB) and the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory for samples to meet program and validated test requirements:

• Bulls tested must have individual official identification.• Official identification must be documented on the official bovine trichomonosis test report form, correlated with the

samples; results must also be documented on the test report form.• Request the correct test depending on reason for testing! (PCR required for sale, pasture to pasture, affected herds,

exposed herds. Culture tests may be used for screening, herd health, and by Certified Semen Services.)• Samples submitted to the CAHFS laboratory must be accompanied by the official bovine trichomonosis test report form,

a completed submission form AND meet conditions of the laboratory’s testing protocol, which include the following:• Do not submit contaminated InPouch-TF samples (distended with gas, discolored).• Do not submit samples using expired InPouch-TF.• Samples must be labeled.• Samples must arrive within temperature guidelines (65-95 °F) if shipped at ambient temperature; if frozen following

incubation, the samples must arrive frozen (≤ 40°F).• Samples shipped at ambient temperature must arrive within time guidelines (forty-eight [48] hours) following

collection.• Samples cannot be pooled.• Samples cannot be in BioMed Transport Tubes.

Only samples consistent with CAHFS laboratory validated test methods are considered official.

For a review of testing procedure, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/trichomonosis_info.html.For details on test options and submission requirements for CAHFS, see the trichomonosis submission form: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/cahfs/submitting/forms.cfm.For additional questions, please email trich@cdfa.ca.gov or contact your local AHB District Office.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 9

Trichomonosis Approved Veterinarians and Laboratories

Thanks to those of you for your continuing participation as an approved veterinarian for trichomonosis sampling with the California Department of Food and Agriculture Animal Health Branch. Approval for veterinarians to officially sample for trichomonosis must be renewed every two (2) years. The new agreement will be mailed out in the month of October 2017. Please update your contact information, and sign and return your renewal before the current agreement expiration date of December 31, 2017.

Any testing, reading or diagnosing of trichomonosis samples must be performed in a trichomonosis approved laboratory. Initial laboratory approval requires training with the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory and is renewed on a two (2) year schedule. Renewal forms will also be going out this year.

For more information or questions, please visit our website (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/trichomonosis_info.html) or email trich@cdfa.ca.gov.

Tuberculosis (TB) Testing Scheduling Reminder for Accredited Veterinarians

When you inject a cow with tuberculin, it sets in motion a well described set of events and timelines that must be followed for the final outcome to be considered an Official Test (see Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules, 2005). The caudal fold tuberculin test (CFT) response must be read within seventy-two (72) hours, plus or minus six (6) hours, of injection. The secondary test for CFT responders, the comparative cervical tuberculin test (CCT), must be started within ten (10) days of the original CFT injection. If not, a period of sixty (60) days must be observed before performing the CCT. Note that the gamma interferon blood test had a more flexible window for collection (up to thirty [30] days post CFT injection), but has been suspended for use as an official test since May 2017.

Since a great deal of routine TB testing is for interstate movement, please pay close attention to these times as you plan your testing!

REMINDER: The 2017-18 “trichomonosis year” began September 1, 2017, and goes through August 31, 2018. The trichomonosis approved tages for this year are orange.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 10

Official Calfhood Vaccination (OCV), Tattoos and Quality AssuranceThe Brucellosis Eradication Uniform Methods and Rules (2003), California Food and Agricultural Code(FAC § 10301-10512) and California Code of Regulations (CCR Title 3, § 752.1-752.2) specify that an official calfhood vaccinate must be identified by vaccination tattoo and official eartag. Official identification is required as part of OCV and is important for traceability purposes, but it is the tattoo that indicates that the animal has been vaccinated. Some veterinarians may use technicians or farm personnel to assist in procedures such as vaccination – this is fine, but only under your direct supervision. It is important to remember that you, as the accredited veterinarian, are responsible for ensuring all aspects of the process are done correctly. As brucellosis vaccination is often required for interstate movement and change of ownership, a legible tattoo is essential! In the event that one or more of your tattoos is illegible, you may be required to make a trip (potentially out of state) to redo them.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) allows the use of United Stated Department of Agriculture approved Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) (840 tags) for brucellosis vaccination under certain conditions. Approved 840 tag manufacturers have been requested to reserve the orange button ear tags for indication of brucellosis vaccination. Accredited veterinarians interested in using orange RFID tags for brucellosis vaccination must obtain approval from CDFA before ordering directly from the manufacturer. Other colored RFID tags can also be used as the official identification at the time of vaccination and tattooing in lieu of applying the orange metal tag. The brucellosis vaccination reporting form and official identification tag numbers must be reported to the CDFA Animal Health Branch within fourteen (14) calendar days of vaccination.

For more information, please contact Dr. Rebecca Campagna at Rebecca.Campagna@cdfa.ca.gov or visithttps://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/pdfs/RFID_Brucellosis.pdf.

RFID as Official Identification for Brucellosis Vaccination

Report of Official Ear Tags Distributed or Applied

Veterinarians or facilities distributing official identification ear tags must report ear tag distribution to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Animal Health Branch (AHB) on a quarterly basis. Use the form “Report of Official Ear Tags Distributed or Applied” (AHB Form 76-210) and send to evet@cdfa.ca.gov or the local CDFA AHB District Office within seven (7) calendar days following the end of each reporting quarter, even if no tags were distributed. Reporting quarters end in March, June, September and December of each year. For more information visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/ID_Info.html under the “For Veterinarians” section.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 11

Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in PracticeBy Roselle Busch, DVM

The Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship (AUS) Program is working with subject matter experts in livestock production and veterinary medicine to publish recommended principles for the judicious use of antimicrobials. These principles will be available as a resource for veterinarians and producers when making decisions on the use of antimicrobials.

Legislation about antimicrobial use in livestock (SB 27) requires the judicious use of medically important antimicrobials for disease treatment, control and prevention. Additionally, the sale and use of all medically important antibiotics will require a veterinarian’s prescription as of January 1, 2018. Greater veterinary oversight of antimicrobial use will help reach the goal of minimizing the potential development of antimicrobial resistance, while limiting the impact on animal health. In California, veterinarians and producers have the opportunity to develop on-farm antimicrobial stewardship programs that optimize animal health while preserving the efficacy of antimicrobials. We in the AUS Program look forward to providing these judicious use materials to you and your clients in the near future, and welcome your feedback.

Please refer to the April and July editions of the AHB Newsletter for a background of the AUS Program and limitations on antimicrobial use (prevention or Veterinary Feed Directives for minor species).

For more information and updates, please visit our webpage at http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/AUS. If you have specific questions, please feel free to email CDFA_AUS@cdfa.ca.gov.

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 27 - July 2015 Page 8

Dr. Mandy ArensDr. Mandy Arens joined the Animal Health Branch in Sacramento in May 2017. Before coming to CDFA, she was the Program Manager at the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS) at UC Davis where she oversaw and contributed to a number of training and educational projects with United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The projects were broad in scope and involved producer training videos for the Secure Milk Supply, inspector and investigator training pertaining to the Food Safety Modernization Act and developing two (2) DHS courses on animals in disasters and community preparedness for food and agricultural related disasters. Prior to WIFSS, Dr. Arens was a Science and Technology Policy Fellow with the California Council for Science and Technology. During her fellowship, she spent a year working in the California Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee analyzing bills and participating in Committee hearings.

Dr. Arens grew up in Northern California and has been an avid equestrian rider since the age of five (5) years. After she received her DVM degree from UC Davis, she practiced small animal medicine for a short while before returning to Davis for her MPVM and PhD degree programs. Her MPVM research was on risk factors for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and her PhD was the first, comprehensive investigation into equine bone fragility syndrome, or silicate associated osteoporosis. Throughout her veterinary career, Dr. Arens has strived to make information accessible, applicable and useful to clients.

Mandy’s non-work hours are spent raising her two (2) wonderful and enthusiastic young kids and (occasionally) riding her horse.

Staff Biographies

Animal Health Branch Newsletter

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 12

Lee Harrison

Lee Harrison joined the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) on April 18 as an Agriculture Supervisor I. Growing up on a ranch in Northern California, Lee showed Quarter Horses and participated in rodeos providing a comprehensive understanding of the equine industry. During his professional career, Lee has worked in the agricultural field for more than fifteen (15) years, and has been responsible for several different facets of the industry from row crop production to livestock. He has a wide range of experiences, including overseeing quality control of one of the largest bare roots strawberry plant growers in the world, conceptualizing and executing multiple livestock shows and serving as West Coast manager for an innovative leader in livestock supplies. As a supervisor for the Equine Medication Monitoring Program, Lee looks forward to assisting the equine community and is eager to incorporate his skills as a member of the CDFA team.

Contact Information

Animal Health BranchDr. Kent Fowler, Chief

Headquarters: (916) 900-5002Fax: (916) 900-5333Permit Line: (916) 900-5052

United States Department of AgricultureDr. Gary Brickler

Director, District 6

Dr. Larry RawsonAssistant District Director, District 6 (CA/HI)

USDA, APHIS, VS, SPRS(916) 854-3950/Toll Free: (877) 741-3690

State Veterinarianand

Director, Animal Health andFood Safety Services

Dr. Annette Jones(916) 900-5000

California Department of Food and AgricultureAnimal Health and Food Safety Services

Animal Health Branch1220 N Street

Sacramento, California 95814

Physical Address:2800 Gateway Oaks Drive

Sacramento, California 95833

Website: www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/Index.htmlEmail: ahbfeedback@cdfa.ca.gov

Volume 37 - October 2017 Page 13

District OfficesVeterinarian In Charge (VIC)

Redding: Dr. Michael Poulos2135 Civic Center Drive, Room 8

Redding, California 96001 (530) 225-2140

Modesto: Dr. Randy Anderson3800 Cornucopia Way, Suite F

Modesto, California 95358(209) 491-9350

Tulare: Dr. Gregory Ledbetter18830 Road 112

Tulare, California 93274(559) 685-3500

Ontario: Dr. Alisha Olmstead1910 South Archibald Avenue, Suite Y

Ontario, California 91761(909) 947-4462

Other AHFSS Branches

Bureau of Livestock Identification John Suther, Chief

(916) 900-5006

Milk and Dairy Food Safety Dr. Stephen Beam, Chief

(916) 900-5008

Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety Paula Batarseh, Chief

(916) 900-5004